ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday wished the country’s Christian citizens a ‘happy Christmas’ and also advised the youth of the nation to adopt the “attributes” of Pakistan’s founding father ‘Quaid-e-Azam’ Muhammad Ali Jinnah, whose birthday also falls on December 25.

Churches around the country were illuminated ahead of Christmas and roads, markets and restaurants in major cities were aglow with lights and decorations as over 2.5 million Christians in Pakistan celebrated the holiday. 

In a message on the occasion, Khan, on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, sent “heartfelt congratulations” to the Christian community around the world and in Pakistan.

“The festivities of Christmas teach us universal love, brotherhood, tolerance and self-sacrifice which plays a pivotal role in moving any society on the path of development,” the PM said.

“The birth of Prophet Jesus is considered a symbol of peace, brotherhood, tolerance and respect for the entire humanity throughout the world. He not only healed the ailing humanity, but preached the divine values of tolerance, love and compassion. He guided people towards virtuous living and urged them to seek divine mercy. As a divine messenger, Prophet Jesus’ teachings are for adherents of all religions.”

Khan said the “sincere and invaluable” services rendered by the Christian community in the fields of Pakistani defence, education, health as well as the economic development of the country were “commendable.”

“Being equal citizens of the state, the Government will empower them to use their abilities for national development. Our policies are geared towards creating harmony and cohesion between people of all faiths,” the PM said. “Our government is doing its utmost duty to bring you into the national mainstream, so that you can play your role as active citizens in the society in a positive way and help this country move on the path of development.”

“We are committed to building a society that respects difference and finds strength in diversity; a nation that is tolerant and cohesive; and a state that provides equal rights and opportunities to all citizens,” Khan added.

In a separate message for Quaid-e-Azam day,  Khan called on Pakistani youth to adopt Jinnah’s attributes “of honesty, hard work, perseverance and dedication.”

“We as a nation need to adopt these attributes to realize Quaid’s vision of a developed, progressive and tolerant Pakistan,” the PM said. “As per Quaid’s vision, our government is striving for a society free of corruption and a system that helps the poor and underprivileged citizens."

“Pakistan is facing both internal and external challenges and the only solution to overcome these is to live by the Quaid’s ideals of unity, faith and discipline,” Khan said. “Let us shun our differences based on cast, creed and faith and work in unison.”

The vast majority of Pakistan’s 220 million people are Muslims, with minorities accounting for less than five percent of the population. Pakistan’s minority Shi’ite Muslims regularly come under attack by militant groups. Members of its small Hindu and Christian communities have also sometimes been attacked or accused of blasphemy.